Monday, November 7 2005 15:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: A seven-member Central team headed by Union Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary Ranjan Bhattacharya would undertake a four-day study visit in 12 flood-affected districts of Karnataka from tomorrow, it was announced today (Nov 07, 2005).

As a follow up to two memoranda the state has submitted to the Centre seeking financial assistance to implement relief works, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has directed deputing of a study team, Chief Minister N Dharam Singh told the press here.

Singh who also chaired a high level meeting of officials of Urban Development, Revenue, Bangalore City Corporation, Bangalore Development Authority along with Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash and Minister for Primary and Secondary Education R Ramalinga Reddy said directions have been issued to district administration to take up restoration work of damaged roads.

Singh led an all-party delegation last week to the Prime Minister and submitted a memorandum seeking Rs 1167 crore aid for Bangalore City. He has already presented a memorandum pleading for Rs 90 crore aid to take up relief works in Bidar and Belgaum where release of Godavari waters from Maharashtra triggered off massive floods.

The seven-member central team would form three teams to visit the affected districts, he said.

Singh said the civic agencies in the city have asked to start works to restore damaged roads, drains and underground pipes immediately.